Howard Webb, head of PGMOL, Everton
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Tue 19 August 2025 7:45, UK
Premier League referees are already under pressure this season, after several controversial decisions on the opening weekend.
Everton lost 1-0 to Leeds United in their first game of the season on Monday, 18 August, after Lukas Nmecha converted a controversial late penalty at Elland Road.
James Tarkowski was adjudged to have played the ball with his arm, a decision Gary Neville said the defender had “no leg to stand on”.
David Moyes reacted angrily towards Jordan Pickford for his role in the goal, after the goalkeeper gave the ball away in the build-up to the incident.
Howard Webb will be under the microscope already after promising change.
Tarkowski was adjudged to have handled the ball (Credit: Imago)
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Richard Keys criticises ‘four VAR errors’ on opening weekend
Chris Kavanagh’s decision to point to the spot prompted varied reactions from onlookers.
Many thought the decision was correct, with Tarkowski seen to move his arm towards the ball as he leaned down to make the block.
But others took note of how tucked in the defender’s arm was to his body, with the ball ultimately striking just below his sleeve line.
Kavanagh did not seem convinced on first viewing, but pointed to the spot after his linesman appeared to weigh in on the decision.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) then took an extended look at the incident, but eventually sided with the on-field call.
Match stats Leeds United Everton
Shots 21 7
On target 3 1
Possession 55% 45%
xG 2.07 0.55
Everton will feel hard done by, but Nmecha’s goal was not against the run of play. Leeds had dominated proceedings before the penalty, and the visitors offered very little going the other way.
Richard Keys offered his thoughts on 19 August, criticising the decision and VAR, before sending a message to Webb and the PGMOL.
“There’s no way Chris Kavanagh should be allowing VAR to make that decision,” the beIN Sports pundit said.
“He’s in charge. He should make it. It was a poor call anyway. That’s four VAR errors across the weekend, Howard (Webb). I’ll help you count this season.”
Premier League referees facing increasing pressure
Keys’ reference to “four VAR errors” likely also relates to Marcos Senesi’s unpunished handball against Liverpool, Eberechi Eze’s disallowed free-kick against Chelsea, and Arsenal’s corner goal against Manchester United.
Premier League referees were already under huge pressure this season, following a last campaign littered with hugely controversial moments.
And the opening weekend will have done nothing to quell those discussions, with Kavanagh the latest to attract criticism for a decision perceived as poor.
Leeds won’t care, but Everton are already on the back foot.
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